ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, January 17, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The African Union Commission (AUC), together with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), is holding a press conference to launch the World Disasters Report 2012, Focus on Forced Migration and Displacement.

More than ever, the complex nature of disasters and conflicts is accompanied by the enormous potential to uproot large numbers of people. Globally, 73 million people are forced migrants – more than one in every 100 of the world’s citizens. Africa hosts the highest number of refugees and internally displaced persons at more than 12 million.

On January 21, 2013, the Deputy Chairperson of the AUC, H.E. Mr. Erastus Mwencha will be joined by IFRC Under Secretary General for Programme Services, H.E. Mr. Walter Cotte and together launch the WDR 2012 which aims to both widen and sharpen the focus on the complex causes of forced migration – conflict, natural disasters, development, climate change – and the diverse consequences and impacts for both affected populations and humanitarian actors.

The IFRC has permanent observer status at the AU, and this joint launch, which reinforces collaboration between the two institutions, is a call to action for governments to take decisive steps in addressing the issues of forced migration and displacement in Africa.

What: Joint launch of the World Disasters Report, Focus on Forced Migration and

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest volunteer-based humanitarian network, reaching 150 mil¬lion people each year through its 187 member National Societies. Together, the IFRC acts before, during and after disasters and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. It does so with impartiality as to nationality, race, gender, religious beliefs, class and political opinions. For more information, please visit www.ifrc.org. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.